Food and agribusiness: Walking the tightrope to balance consumer and producer welfare

Rabo Equity Advisors Ltd and 9.9 Media are organising an interactive discussion on “Food and agribusiness: Walking the tightrope to balance consumer and producer welfare” scheduled for April 16, 2010 at hotel Imperial.

Traditionally, agriculture has been the mainstay of the Indian economy. But in recent years, it has witnessed a steady decline in its share in GDP. However, considering that agriculture still employs over 60% of India’s workforce, it still plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of India. Thus, slow agricultural growth is a worry for policymakers and industry players. Additionally, the recent supply led food inflation has introduced new dilemmas in balancing the interests of consumers and producers of agricultural produce.

The briefing session will bring together 15-20 chief executives and managing directors of high growth mid size companies from the sectors like agriculture inputs, food & beverages, poultry, warehousing in and around Delhi to discuss  key issues such as:

• Can there be consumer welfare in the absence of producer welfare in Indian agriculture?
• Do market intervention mechanisms like MSPs and other agricultural subsidies increase the welfare of producers at the cost of consumers?
• What role can technology play in balancing producer and consumer welfare?
• What are the institutional failures which led to food inflation and what measures can be taken to address it?

Mr PK Basu, Secretary - Minsitry of Agriculture and Mr Hardeep Singh, Chairman - Amalgamated Plantations will lead the panel discussion. The session is scheduled from 09:00 am to 10:30 am.

Please join us for the networking breakfast at 08:15 am.

To register, call at 91 9958599142.